2022 HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNERS
The Humanitarian Award  honors filmmakers who are bringing awareness to issues of Ecological, Political, Social Justice and Equality, Health and Wellness, Animals, Wildlife, Conservation and Spiritual importance and combining that with quality filmmaking craft. Congratulations to this year’s illustrious winners who are committed to making a difference in the world. To read more about the award click here

Sibel’s Silence – Aly Yeganeh

Aly Yeganeh (France), Sibel’s Silence, Film Feature – A film that is gritty,touching, and raises several crucial and devastating Humanitarian Themes. Sibel’s Silence tells the story of 13-year-old Sibel, one of the many thousands of girls kidnapped by ISIS fighters in Iraq. After her entire family was murdered, Sibel was taken as a prisoner and forced into sexual slavery. Hana, an ophthalmologist cannot bear the atrocities committed against Yazidi women, pays a ransom, adopts Sibel and brings her to France. She tries to provide her with a normal life filled and finds it triggers traumas of her own. Sibel cannot shake the trauma, refuses to speak; her haunting memories are always present. Insightful direction by Yeganeh, he skillfully incorporates a poignant script, muted color palette and even the architecture itself to carefully craft the story and tone. Achingly authentic performances by a talented cast. An exceptional and highly nuanced character portrayal by Laëtitia Eïdo (Netflix’s Fauda, Apple TV’s Liaison) and a convincing depiction of complex trauma by Mélissa Boros.

Masoud Ahmadi (Iran), Migrants, Film Feature / Experimental – An experimental film with no dialogue creatively and potently exposes the brutal reality of Migrants being unearthed from their homes and homeland through violence and fear. A brutally honest and exceptionally innovative depiction of this gut wrenching humanitarian crisis. Artistic cinematography, excellent sound design, imaginative direction and a potent yet understated cast.

Jody Xiong (China), The Bloom, Disability Issues – Visionary creative director Xiong designed a brilliant film where high tech meets human mind for power and purpose. Bringing together 12 disabled people they created art by detonating paint-filled balloons using the power of their minds! Extraordinary concept and a beautifully produced short film in every way. Technically perfect, moving and impactful.

Arlo Iron Cloud, WSD Productions (USA), Remember the Children, Native Peoples – Telling the story of the 400 government Indian Boarding schools, their goal to erase native culture and the often-horrific abuses of indigenous children there – including thousands of deaths. Tracing the efforts of the elders and communities who are keeping their stories alive through creating memorials. A touching tribute to the families impacted by these tragedies.

James Higginson (Germany), SHUDDHI, Documentary Short – Emmy-winning Higginson’s innovative and artistically crafted doc about people in a Leprosy Ashram in India. A voice-over of a grandfather sharing wisdom gracefully serves a meditative portrait of familial tenderness and a poetic blend of documentary and auteur cinema, interweaving themes of humanness, fear, love, judgement and the never-ending cycle of water.

Mike Hill (Australia), Live the Life You Please, Documentary Feature – A powerful doc about end of life and shaping our present-day choices. With exceptionally crafted and inspiring stories, award winning Hill makes the case for the power of care choices – from urban hospitals to indigenous in-country settings. An emotional journey through the lives of a diverse range of people in their last chapter. A potent and inspirational doc.

Paul Cadenhead (USA), The Cowboy Pecan Pie, Film Short – A  seven-year-old boy is sexually abused by his neighbor as he transcends reality into the mystic Wild West to learn self-reliance from a colorful cowboy. A brilliant take on a difficult theme with deft direction and achingly authentic performances. Don DiPetta (Green Book), Kue Lawrence (Beautiful Boy), Ronnie Clark (Future Man), Kristin Cary (Hall Pass).

David Naglieri (USA), In Solidarity with Ukraine, Documentary Feature / Christian – Delves into the Christian response amidst war, showcasing volunteers assisting refugees at the border. The film reveals the stark contrast between the darkness of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the light of the devoted volunteers shining through acts of compassion and solidarity.

Constanza Fernández (Chile), (Im)Patient, Feature Film / Disability Issues – Sergio Graf, a doctor and ethics expert, battles Chile’s health system as a patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome. His journey reveals the system’s strengths and flaws, highlighting the importance of family. Directed by Fernández, the film offers insight into healthcare complexities, driven by a talented cast. It’s a poignant, relatable, and memorable exploration Stars: Héctor Noguera (Mr Kaplan), Amparo Noguera (Death Will Come, Shall Have Your Eyes), Naldy Hernandez (Dime con Quién Andas).

Mike Corey (USA), Welcome To Texas, Animation / Social Justice – Corey’s pitch-perfect animated short showcases the intersection of art and activism. A university freshman learns firsthand about the state’s restrictive abortion laws in “Welcome to Texas”. Engaging characters, compelling soundtrack (John Guth) tight editing and a gut-punch ending designed to inspire viewers as a call to action.

Julia Verdin (USA), Maya, Film Feature

Patrick Baucelin (Martinique), THE COLOR OF SLAVERY, Documentary Feature

Michael D. Kretzmer (United Kingdom), J’Accuse! A Cry from the Killing Pits of Lithuania, Documentary Feature

Marika Griehsel (Sweden), A Tree has Fallen – Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Liberation / Social Justice

Brian Tadashi Maeda (USA), We said No! No!, Documentary Feature

Steven Cowan and Barry Hal Schienberg (USA), Single-Use Planet, Documentary Feature

Maggie Jones and Brad Jones (USA), CANCER/EVOLUTION Episode 1: The Dustbin of History, Television – Pilot Program

Patrick Centurioni (Austria), Gentle Mountain – The Foothills Of The Alps, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Dilip Harnarayan Dixit (India), Meera, Film Feature

Charles Reynoso (USA), Faith in Blackness: An Exploration of AfroLatine Spirituality, Documentary Short

Kris Millgate (USA), On Grizzly Ground, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Peter Williams (United Kingdom), LIDICE – THE VILLAGE THAT REFUSED TO DIE, Documentary Feature

Kyle Saylors (USA), A Perfect Love, Documentary Short

Kathy Moore and Tyler Waters (Australia),Unbroken, LGBTQ+

Maartje Nevejan (Netherlands), Descending The Mountain. A Story about Mushrooms and Meditation, Documentary Feature

Ron James (USA), Accidental Truth – UFO Revelations, Documentary Feature

Julian Austin Palmer (Australia), Contemplations: On The Psychedelic Experience, Documentary Feature

Alan Lacy (USA), The Lone Wolverine of the Wallowas, Documentary Short

Sierra Productions (USA), TRANSFORMATION, Documentary Feature

Senel Rodrigo Muñoz (Chile), We are Bullying, Film Short

Hazel Gurland-Pooler (USA), Storming Caesars Palace, Documentary Feature

KC Schulberg (USA), THE URGENCY OF NOW, Documentary Short

Kevin Harris (South Africa), TRUE PATRIOT, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest